Texas offers many resources for individuals seeking treatment for mental health or substance abuse problems. However, navigating the healthcare system can be challenging. Here are some tips and resources to help you find the treatment you need.
Understand your options
The first step in finding a cure is understanding your options. Texas has many providers of mental health and substance abuse treatment, including:
Hospitals: Hospitals provide inpatient and outpatient treatment for mental health and substance use disorders.
Clinics: Clinics may provide outpatient treatment for mental health and substance use disorders.
Practitioner: Private practitioners, such as psychiatrists, psychologists, and licensed clinical social workers, provide outpatient treatment for mental health disorders.
Community Mental Health Centers: Community mental health centers are publicly funded facilities that provide a variety of mental health and substance abuse services at a sliding scale.
Nonprofit Organizations: Nonprofit organizations can provide a variety of mental health and substance abuse services, including counseling and support groups.
Peer Support Groups: Peer support groups such as Alcoholics Anonymous and Drug Addicts Anonymous support individuals struggling with addiction.
Insurance coverage
It is important to understand your insurance coverage before seeking treatment. Many insurance plans cover mental health and substance abuse treatment, but coverage can vary widely. If you have private insurance, you can contact your insurance provider to learn more about your coverage. If you have Medicaid, you can get information about mental health and substance abuse treatment benefits by contacting your local Medicaid office.
Find a Supplier
Once you understand your options and coverage, the next step is finding a provider. Here are some resources to help you find a provider in Texas.
Your Insurance Provider: Many insurance providers have an online directory of providers that accept insurance.
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA): SAMHSA maintains an online directory of mental health and substance abuse treatment facilities in Texas.
Texas Department of Health: The Texas Department of Health maintains a searchable list of mental health and substance abuse treatment providers in Texas.
Mental Health America of Texas: Mental Health America of Texas has a list of mental health resources in Texas, including providers and support groups.
National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) of Texas: NAMI Texas maintains a list of mental health providers in Texas.
Texas Chapter of the National Association of Social Workers: The Texas Chapter of the National Association of Social Workers has a list of social workers in Texas who specialize in mental health.
Treatment Program
When you find a provider, it’s important to understand the different treatment options available to you. Here are some common treatment options.
Medication: Medication can be effective in treating many mental health and substance use disorders.
Psychotherapy: Also called talk therapy, psychotherapy involves meeting with a therapist to discuss your thoughts, feelings, and behaviors.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): CBT is a type of psychotherapy that focuses on changing negative thought patterns and behaviors.
Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT): DBT is a type of psychotherapy that combines cognitive behavioral therapy with mindfulness and acceptance techniques.
Group therapy: Group therapy involves a meeting with a therapist and people struggling with similar problems.
Support Groups: Support groups such as Alcoholics Anonymous and Drug Addicts Anonymous support individuals struggling with addiction.
Hospitalization: Hospitalization involves staying in a hospital or other facility for intensive care for a period of time.
Outpatient Treatment: Outpatient treatment involves seeing a therapist or other people.
